Daily Briefing Dec. 29: What looms for Law of Return, and final coalition details

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Settlements reporter Jeremy Sharon and religion and Diaspora affairs correspondent Judah Ari Gross join host Jessica Steinberg for today’s podcast.

Sharon talks about the final details of the coalition deal, including Border Police control for Otzma Yehudit’s Itamar Ben Gvir and settlement expansion powers for Religious Zionism’s Bezalel Smotrich — dramatic changes for the incoming government.

Gross discusses the background of Likud MK Amichai Chikli, who’s been appointed Diaspora Affairs minister, and what that could mean for future debates on the Law of Return’s grandchild clause, which is under attack from the Religious Zionism party.

Gross also talks about the legacy of Rabbi Chaim Druckman, considered a founder of the settler movement, who was buried earlier this week.

Discussed articles include:

Otzma Yehudit deal includes control over Border Police, major boost to police funds

Religious Zionism coalition deal: Settlement growth, changes to discrimination laws

Political deals over Law of Return set stage for fight over future of immigration

Rabbi Chaim Druckman, spiritual leader of political religious Zionism, dies at 90

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